A copy. The only original document you send is your existing passport!
NY office vfs is lagging behind a lot. My Tatkal application received last week has not even been entered in the system yet due to Covid19 closures
Thank you so much. Thatās bad because I am trying to do Tatkal hoping I would get it in 1 month.
The default date printed on the form is the current date and it is fine. It does not matter.
@anil_am22
Now, my current passport is with VFS NewYorkā¦ Its sent under Tatkal - But it looks like they are running slow due to Covid restrictionsā¦
My company has started to file for my H1B extension. Now, they plan to send it in a week to USCIS. They have asked for my current passport detailsā¦
Will it be a problem with my extension to use the current passport copy (I have scanned it) or should I wait? I dont know how much longer VFS will beā¦ to send it to Embassy and get it backā¦
Any advice will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Hello ,
Few Questions :
- There are multiple documents which gets duplicated like passport copies and 797A , specially in case of Minors . Do we need to submit these copies multiple times? or providing 1 copy is enough to serve the purpose under multiple Mandatory Documents
- in NJ , Banks or UPS do not notarize the VISA/ Passports / License / I797A ā¦ is there any solution for that ?
- They say to submit color copy of Legal status in US , in my sonās cases its 797C and my 797A which are by default Black. Hope thats fine
Thanks
Jay
Hello,
I visited the VFS passport services website on 4th Apr 2021 and noticed that they have updated the document list and removed the āSelf Sworn Affidavitā requirement for adults from both the web page and also from the PDF checklist file. I have provided the links below for quick reference.
- Does anyone know if Govt. of India / VFS has stopped asking for the self sworn affidavit?
- Has anyone recently submitted their passport for renewal without the self sworn affidavit?
VFS Web Page Link
https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/passport-services/#new-booklet
Updated Checklist PDF Link
https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/passport-services/pdf/passport-checklist-regular.pdf
Thank you in advance for the response.
USCIS might send an RFE to submit new passport if it expires before they take a decision on your application.
Its better to send it as their instructions are very vague and you donāt want to delay your application just because of one document.
Thank you Anil for your prompt response. Also thank you very much for putting together a good article and keeping it up to date. Great job for doing fantastic community service. 
Is is required to notarize the self sworn affidavit for the 5 years stay?
No, self sworn affidavit need not be notarized.
Well the current passport expires Feb 2022. So it should come back prior. Thank you!
Sorry for so delayed reply.
Last week I called VFS, as their email support is very slow, based on the phone support a valid I-94 is also considered for renewal of passport.
You need to give your expired visa and i-94 as document.
Hope this helps people, mostly L1 visa guys as this situation is normal fin L1
Yes, itās normal thing for L1 visa.
At Port of entry, they will always stamp for 3 yrs from the entry date as valid stay date.
Visa is just a pass to enter USA but we can stay legally till i-94 date. So basically Iām on expired L1 visa
Thank you for sharing this information!
@anil_am22 thank you for providing a detailed summary of steps to follow for passport renewal. Could you please answer my questions:
- I have an FIR against me in India (no charge sheet against me, no conviction yet, and no proceedings yet). So In Annexure E and in the passport application, what do I need to answer to āIf there are any proceedings against me in the court in Indiaā? Is it safe to say NO?
- Is there an option where I mention the spouseās name and still not have the spouseās name printed on the passport?
-I have filed a marital case against my spouse in India and because I mention I am married, I need to submit my spouseās passport. I do not have her complete passport but I have the first and last 2 pages. Are the first and last pages sufficient to submit because there is no way I can get her passport to be submitted at this time? - to change India address: Can I self attest and submit my motherās passport as proof as only her passport has the current address in India
I would really appreciate your response. Thank you.
Hello, need a help. I have filled the online application form in Indian Gov site and sent the documents to VFS for processing. In the application, i have mistakenly added last name to my Parents name, but in my old Passport, it has just the first names of my parents. Now i received email from VFS stating
āName of the mother and father mentioned on the application form to be printed does not match with the passport. Please provide passport copy.ā
Please let me know how i can correct names now. i want to remove the last name(s) from the application, but to do that, whether i need to create a new application in Indian Govt siteā¦? In that case, the Application Reference Number (ARN) number will change. How i can link the new ARN? How to resolve this issue? Please let me know your thoughts.
Are the shipping labels created for both ways ? To and from consulate ? Or just for sending to consulate ?
Hello Friends, i have submitted TATKAL passport application and sent the documents to VFS. but there was mistake i made in the application (added last name to my Parents name, but in my old Passport, it has just the first names of my parents), so i asked for refund. Now i want to submit a new application. BUT the issue is, i have sent the old passport in the previous application. NOW can i submit NEW application without the old Passport? or do i need to wait for the old application documents from VFS? PLEASE ADVISE.